Introducing The Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision

In 2017, Ulysse Nardin introduced a new version of the Freak: the Innovision 2, a concept watch incorporating both an unusual, transparency based aesthetic, and several new technological features. With the Freak Vision, those features become part of a regular production timepiece.

Why This Watch Matters

In 2001, Ulysse Nardin's Freak was introduced, and it really redefined modern watchmaking. It launched the era of the super watch, with its unusual tourbillon (basically the entire movement is a tourbillon, and acts as the minute hand as well, as it rotates once an hour inside the case) and as well, it was the very first wristwatch to incorporate silicon components.

The original Ulysse Nardin Freak, as it appeared in 2001.

The original Freak was to become a platform for numerous iterations since its debut, and for Ulysse Nardin, to continue to present the Freak as not just a platform for stylistic innovation, but technical innovation as well, is to uphold a commitment to both that goes back nearly two decades. The major innovation in the Freak Vision that's been carried over from the Innovision 2 is the escape wheel, which is made of a combination of silicon and solid nickel elements. The blades of the balance wheel are oriented in such a way that air resistance is exploited in order to ensure more constant amplitude.

Another technical feature in the Freak Vision is the Ulysse Nardin Anchor Escapement, which can be seen in our Technical Perspectives story doing its thing inside the Ulysse Nardin Anchor Tourbillon.

It's always encouraging to see a watch manufacturer continue to explore advancing horology not just as an art, but as a science as well and though it doesn't seem to be as widely realized as it could be, Ulysse Nardin historically has been one of the major industry leaders. The Freak has always been a watch for a very specific kind of collector – it's about as far as you can get in every respect that matters from a conventional wristwatch.

For me, it's always a personal pleasure to see a new Freak introduced. One of the very first watch events that I ever attended was a collector's dinner with none other than the late Rolf Schnyder, who brought Ulysse Nardin back from near-death in the 1980s and who collaborated with Dr. Ludwig Oechslin on the truly remarkable Trilogy of Time watches. I hope to be able to enjoy new Freaks for another 20 years (at least).